Buying Advice JD 1023E vs 2320

[El Wood]

Well, I'm happy to say I'm finally moving out of the neighborhood and building a small house on 20 acres. Half of the property was farmed for many years and is flat with gravel soil. The other half is low, flat and swampy. My plan is to buy a tractor as soon as I get the green light for building. I'll then use it to grade and snow plow the 300' driveway, seed the yard, put in fence posts, plant some trees, haul some firewood, do landscaping and mow about 5 acres weekly. My buddy is also going to dig a 1 acre pond in the swampy area and then I will use the tractor to bring in some sand and maintain the area around the pond. I may need to clear a small two track road back to the pond site. With that being said, I'm considering the JD 1023E or the 2320. I really like the 1026R but my dealer said the price difference between the 1026R and 2320 is only about $800. He said I should jump to the 2320 if I'm going to do the 1026R. This will be my first tractor so I appreciate any advice I can get!

 

[KennyG]

Sounds like the 1023 is too small. The greater ground clearance and larger frame of the 2320 would be better. Sometimes they have deals going so the 2520 is not much more than the 2320. Check it out for the better hydraulics and power.

 

[s219]

Assuming you have to buy a Deere, I'd say go for a 2520 at a minimum.

 

[XSKIER]

37,
You didn't mention needing a MMM (belly mower). I would highly endorse the 3038e for the work you have planned. The little "yard cuts" are ok for maintenance, but really lack for roughing on a property.

 

[shortthrow50]

2520 or 3032

 

[jenkinsph]

I agree with the others, get a larger tractor for the initial work. I would agree that a 2520 is the minimum to buy and would consider something larger too. In a couple of years after smoothing and planting a nice yard you might wan't to buy a good mower for five acres.

 

[El Wood]

Guess I'm going bigger! Thanks for the comments and advice.

 

[kportridge]

I am in a similar situation. However, I will be adding a couple of horses in a few years. Looking at the 4105. Hoping It's the only tractor we will ever buy!!!

 

[megaboz]

I would recommend as big as you can afford and the property will allow. While a smaller one will do most of the work, you will work it harder. Also if you are planning on brush hogging, the bigger tractor will handle the load easier. I have a 2520 for 4 acres, but at times wished for a bigger tractor.

 

[shortthrow50]

I would recommend as big as you can afford and the property will allow. While a smaller one will do most of the work, you will work it harder. Also if you are planning on brush hogging, the bigger tractor will handle the load easier. I have a 2520 for 4 acres, but at times wished for a bigger tractor.

After doing a several things around my house with my new 3520 on 10 acres, i think that i could have easily gone with a 4520. eh, what the he.l.l., the 3520 is better than the old 325 john deere with 48 inch mower deck i was using. Definately go as big as you can. just learning this whole concept. I thought i went too big with the 3520

 

[rsewill]

If this thread goes long enough you'll be in a 9630.

 

[shortthrow50]

he should buy a komatsu 575 and just level the property at this point

 

[jcdogfish]

I agree with above, if you gotta go deere at least a 2520. I think I drove almost every tractor made in the last few weeks and the 2520/3032e was at the top of the list. They ain't cheap though!

 

[jenkinsph]

Selecting the right sized tractor can be difficult for all of us. Alot depends on what condition your place is in and what you plan to do about it. For instance if it is relatively smooth and flat and has small brush to remove you can get by with an L&G or subcompact. If you need to move boulders, install drainage ditches or make large changes in existing grades you will need a much larger machine(s). If you have enough large projects and sizable property to maintain choosing the larger equipment is more feasable. You may still need a small machine for the lawn and garden areas though.

 

[HunterWare]

I usually seem to wind up supporting the little tractor choice, but I think it was said best above: There is a huge difference with initial contouring and taming vs maintenance. I think you will find the 1xxx small for making large grade changes in the property. I love my 1026R TLB and it's really perfect for upkeep on something like you are talking about (even including small additions), but the initial work will be a whole different level. I don't have the experience to best help you find the size you need, but I can tell you the 1xxx isn't it.

 

[PapeCAT]

IF you are going to even CONSIDER the 4XXX series I wouldn't settle for less than a 4120. It is the smallest "Deere" product with an actual "Deere" motor! Below that you're stuck with Yanmars. Which are great and cool with the smaller tractors. I'd rather have a Yanmar than a Kawasaki.

 

[CAgnoli]

I know the new financing makes looking at used less attractive, but I would suggest looking at your dealers used stock, and seeing if a larger tractor can be had for a similar cash outlay.